Project: “LET me Fly”
Recycled Tee (Pro Contest Entry)
I transformed a simple white recycled T-shirt into a powerful, uplifting piece: the phrase “LET me Fly” framed by sublimated butterflies and delicate flowers — a wearable plea for freedom, breath, and joy. The design balances strength and softness: bold typography meets ethereal nature elements, creating a statement that’s both emotional and elegant. Perfect for judges who value sustainability, technique, and storytelling.
Short Step-by-Step
Design layout: bold “LET me Fly” headline + surrounding butterfly & floral artwork.
Print the artwork for sublimation (mirror this print).
Prepare sublimation-ready HTV panel and press the mirrored sublimation transfer onto the HTV according to manufacturer instructions.
Cut the HTV (do not mirror when cutting the vinyl shapes/text). Weed and align on the recycled tee.
Press the final composition onto the shirt, finish with a protective peel if required, and cool.
Pro Tips (must-know)
Mirror only the sublimation print — the sublimation transfer image must be mirrored BEFORE pressing onto the HTV; the vinyl cut itself should be cut normally (not mirrored).
Follow the HTV/sublimation manufacturer’s recommended temperature, pressure and time for best color saturation and washability.
Use a Teflon sheet or protective cover when pressing to avoid scorching and to keep colors vivid.
Test a small swatch first on scrap fabric to fine-tune alignment and color transfer.
Emphasize the story in your entry: sustainability + emotional impact = judges remember it.
